Criticism: Many critics of the Church call us exclusive and intolerant when we say that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church.

Response:

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ declare, without arrogance and with full confidence, that they belong to the only true and living church upon the earth. What is meant when members make this bold statement?

This position is basic to the doctrines of the Church. It is a doctrine that was not devised by man; for it was declared by the Savior himself, as he gave instruction to the early members of the Church wherein he declared that the church was “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30) Members of the Church have not accepted membership simply because it is the most believable, or convenient, but rather because they believe the teachings of the Church in their entirety, and have received a witness of the Holy Ghost that it is true. They are not so arrogant to say that the organization or programs are perfect, nor that the members are perfect. But they affirm in the strongest possible terms that it is the only true church on the earth and invite all to come unto the welcoming arms of the Church, its members, its doctrines, and most importantly its Priesthood authority.

The members also make this declaration because they have been commanded to take this truth to all the children of a loving Father in Heaven. When it becomes clear what is meant by this statement it may be easier to understand and accept. It has two elements.

The Church was organized under the direction of God Himself

The Church has a living prophet

Secondly, it is the “living” church” because it has a living prophet at its head upon the earth, and as a result it is a growing, developing organization. Why do we need a living prophet? This might best be answered by asking: If a man were to come among us with the wisdom, power, and knowledge of Moses, why would people of faith and judgment object? Or if God were going to speak today, as he once did from Sinai, wouldn't we want to listen? Why would anyone who loves scripture and hungers for truth object to the idea of a living prophet? Should we not be concerned with those who refuse to listen to the voice of God in this day? Some would say that God has chosen to speak to us only through scripture and not through prophets, but no prophet has ever suggested that.

“Elder LeGrand Richards, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, stated: "No one can look for a work here upon this earth that isn't headed by a prophet. The Lord has never done a work that he has recognized without a prophet at its head." Elder Mark E. Petersen, also an Apostle, taught, "When there are no prophets, there is no divine direction, and without such direction the people walk in darkness. It is an infallible sign of the true church that it has in it divinely chosen, living prophets to guide them, men who receive current revelation from God..."

He also testified of Joseph Smith by quoting Revelation 14:6-7 and Amos 3:7, and then reasoning: Then what would God do about the angel bringing the gospel back to earth in modern times? There were no prophets on earth to whom he could come. The world no longer even believed in them. If the Lord would do nothing—not even send his angel to earth to restore the gospel—without the services of a living prophet, how could He accomplish his divine purpose? How could the angelic visitation predicted for the latter days be consummated if there were no prophets to receive it. God could only do one thing, and that was to raise up a new prophet for this particular purpose, and this he did in the person of Joseph Smith Jr.”

“In this dispensation the Lord has reiterated what he declared to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 33:17) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 6:17) in Old Testament times and to the Book of Mormon prophet Alma the Younger (Alma 6:1): that the prophets serve as God's watchmen, not only to his church but also to the world.”

Every serious seeker for the truth needs to ask what a testimony of a living prophet would do in their lives? How would it help them in their daily struggles? How would it change and bless their life? The answer to this question tells why a prophet is so important as part of the “only true and living church upon the earth.”

Where truth is

It does not mean that this is the only church on this earth that has truth. All churches have some truth—many of them a great deal. Many of the clergy and members have great dedication to the teachings of the Savior. Speaking of other churches and other faiths, the Apostle Boyd K Packer in a conference of the Church said: "Now we do not say they are wrong so much as we say they are incomplete. The fullness of the gospel has been restored. The power and the authority to act for Him are present with us. The power and the authority of the priesthood rests upon this church. The Lord revealed, in Section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants: ‘And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh”

In an official declaration issued on 15 February 1978, the First Presidency of the LDS Church issued a statement to the world regarding God's love for all mankind. In part that statement says: “Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares (that). The great religious leaders of the world such as Muhammad, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals....

Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come....”

Conclusion

From a present day prophet, Gordon B Hinckley, we learn from a talk given in General Conference, October, 2002, that: “This must be our great and singular message to the world. We do not offer it with boasting. We testify in humility but with gravity and absolute sincerity. We invite all, the whole earth, to listen to this account and take measure of its truth. To these we say in a spirit of love, bring with you all that you have of good and truth which you have received from whatever source, and come and let us see if we may add to it. This invitation I extend to men and women everywhere.”

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